Six Pump Court is a ‘very capable set with a strong expertise in planning’, bolstered by the chambers’ regulatory and environment teams. The set’s ‘wealth of planning barristers’ acts for a wide range of clients, from private sector parties, such as landowners, developers, infrastructure providers and interested third parties, to local authority clients across England and Wales. William Upton KC represented the Mears Group in the high-profile case of East Riding of Yorkshire Council v Mears Group and others concerning the accommodation of asylum seekers in local hotels and the distinction between hotels and hostels under planning law. Megan Thomas KC has promoted several plans for local planning authorities, appearing at the examinations of the local plans for Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells – examples of the set’s strengths in the South East of England outside London.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Michael Hearn is a top-drawer clerk, highly likable and very professional.’
- ‘Michael Hearn at 6 Pump Court is the best clerk I have worked with. It is clear that Michael works incredibly hard to provide an excellent service to all the clients of the chambers, treating solicitors as valued customers. Daniel Jenkins, although very junior, is showing promise of becoming an excellent clerk.’
- ‘I regularly deal with Ryan Barrow who is my main point of contact. However, over time I have dealt with all the clerks who are all very accessible and helpful.’
- ‘The clerks at 6 Pump Court are excellent. Ryan Barrow in particular is always very quick to respond.’
- ‘6 Pump Court have a wealth of planning barristers; each barrister I have worked with has been friendly as well as extremely knowledgeable within their field. They run regular training events which are always excellent and very informative.’
- ‘Very capable set with a strong expertise in planning and members who will go the extra mile.’
- ‘All counsels that I have worked with have in-depth knowledge of planning law and they are able to explain in a clear manner any complexities that may arise. ‘
- ‘6 Pump Court is a set that is small by modern standards, but it does offer a breadth of experience and personal service.’
- 'Very strong in this area, with a good mix of silks and juniors.'
Silks
Leading Silks
KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.
‘Will’s written work is second to none. He reads judges very well, and judges appreciate that he focuses his advocacy on the main points of a case.’
‘Grasps matters quickly and is able to advise corporately in a timely manner.’
Juniors
Leading Juniors
Leading juniors are those with significant experience of key cases, strong market recognition from both peers and clients, and are seen as future candidates for silk.
‘Mark is an acute advocate who is able to distill the heart of a case. He is a good team player, personable and good with clients.'
‘Anne is very personable with clients and sets out clearly the process and the areas she wants them to answer questions on. Her advocacy is effective and probing without any aggression or rudeness. She seeks to get a full understanding of the subject.’
‘Giles gives exceptionally good counsel and is not influenced by the level of the opposition. He is an excellent advocate in all planning matters. His main strength is that he is prepared to advise a methodology prior to being formally instructed.’
‘An excellent barrister, knowledgeable, approachable and extremely robust.’
‘Responsive, approachable and commercial. Very flexible and user-friendly.’
‘Noémi is able to understand the issues at hand quickly to provide the most appropriate advice. She has excellent knowledge of the planning law field and provides clear and concise advice to councils. Her advice is always detailed and has no problem in answering any follow-up questions which may arise. She can easily pick up on details which may be problematic in the future.’
Leading Juniors
Rising stars at the Bar are defined as barristers between four and eight years’ call who are seen as up-and-coming members of the Bar in their respective practice areas by clients and peers alike. They will already be instructed in high-profile, complex, and high-value contentious and non-contentious matters, working with and opposite more experienced leading counsel.
‘Mark is an acute advocate who is able to distill the heart of a case. He is a good team player, personable and good with clients.'
‘Anne is very personable with clients and sets out clearly the process and the areas she wants them to answer questions on. Her advocacy is effective and probing without any aggression or rudeness. She seeks to get a full understanding of the subject.’
‘Giles gives exceptionally good counsel and is not influenced by the level of the opposition. He is an excellent advocate in all planning matters. His main strength is that he is prepared to advise a methodology prior to being formally instructed.’
‘An excellent barrister, knowledgeable, approachable and extremely robust.’
‘Responsive, approachable and commercial. Very flexible and user-friendly.’
‘Noémi is able to understand the issues at hand quickly to provide the most appropriate advice. She has excellent knowledge of the planning law field and provides clear and concise advice to councils. Her advice is always detailed and has no problem in answering any follow-up questions which may arise. She can easily pick up on details which may be problematic in the future.’